NFL Latests: Broncos DL Gambling Suspension Being Lifted

NFL defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike has been reinstated from his indefinite suspension for gambling, it was announced Monday.

“I am grateful to the Denver Broncos and the National Football League for giving me the opportunity to resume my NFL career, I’ve learned from this situation and have taken steps to ensure it will never happen again.” Uwazurike, 26, said in a statement.

Uwazurike was suspended last July after the league discovered he’d bet on games during his rookie season in 2022. He wound up sitting out the entire 2023 campaign. Uwazurike — the 10th NFL player suspended that offseason for gambling — said he “hopes others can learn from my mistake.”

Here’s more on the Broncos DL gambling suspension being lifted.

Uwazurike ‘Fully Committed’ to Second Chance

A fourth-round pick out of Iowa State in 2022, Uwazurike is now eligible to participate in all team activities. In response to the Broncos DL gambling suspension being lifted, head coach Sean Payton suggested he plans to bring Uwazurike back slowly, telling reporters, “He’ll be in everything. … But I do think we’ve got to look further out and say, ‘When do we expect him to play in a preseason game?’ ”

As such, Uwazurike spent most of Monday’s practice working alongside players who are rehabbing from injuries.

“I will not take this second chance for granted and am fully committed to making a positive impact with the Broncos on and off the field.” Uwazurike said.

Uwazurike appeared in eight games as a rookie in 2022, recording 17 tackles (11 solo). The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder was slated for a larger role last season prior to getting suspended. He joins a defensive line rotation that includes Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, D.J. Jones and Malcolm Roach.

The Broncos kick off the preseason on Sunday (1 p.m. ET) against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Payton has yet to indicate if Uwazurike will suit up.

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Bets Included Broncos Games

The Arapahoe County District Attorney decided last month not to press gambling charges against Uwazurike. That opened the door for Uwazurike — who was found to have placed bets on his phone while at the Broncos’ facility — to apply for reinstatement to the NFL.

Uwazurike allegedly placed 32 bets on five Broncos games in 2022 — including one in which he was active — using a false identity via FanDuel. It is unclear whether that included NFL picks against the spread. Altogether, he was accused of making 801 wagers totaling $21,361, an average of $26.67 per bet.

The NFL strictly prohibits players from betting at team facilities.

His gambling activity was under review by the Colorado Department of Revenue and Arapahoe County prosecutors.

Payton said at the time, “We want him back, but we don’t have that same control. We can’t tell you we are going to anticipate it, but we will see with the powers that be.”

Stay tuned for more updates on the Broncos DL gambling suspension being lifted.

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